Entries Invited for San Marcos’ Veterans Day Parade

Honoring All Who Served will be the theme of the 2016 Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, Nov. 5 sponsored by the City of San Marcos with assistance from the Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee and local veterans’ organizations.

Veterans groups, military organizations, civic clubs, bands, drill teams, public officials, equestrians, youth teams, classic vehicles and others are invited to join the Veterans Day Parade.  The parade will begin at 10 a.m. and wind through downtown San Marcos.  A popular free biscuit and gravy breakfast will again be served on the County Courthouse lawn beginning at 8:30 a.m. along with entertainment leading up to the parade.

This year, we will be promoting sustainability and honoring our veterans at the same time. Each parade entry will be given a tree to carry on their float throughout the parade in honor of a veteran of their choice. The veteran’s name will be announced along with their script. The trees will be planted on Nov. 19 on the San Marcos River behind the Hays County Veterans Memorial. If you wish to volunteer to help with the planting please email Eric Weeks at eweeks@sanmarcostx.gov.

Nomination forms for grand marshal should be submitted to Lisa Morris at  lmorris@sanmarcostx.gov or they can be dropped off or mailed to the Parks and Recreation office at the Grant Harris Building, located at 401 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, 78666.  Nominations must include the full name and relevant details of the individual’s military service, along with detailed contact information, including a telephone number.  The nomination form is posted on the city website www.sanmarcostx.gov/parks. The nomination deadline is Oct. 7.

Criteria for nomination include:

• Must be a San Marcos area resident
• Must have served in the U.S. military during a time of military conflict
• Must have been honorably discharged from the service
• Must be willing to share his or her military service memories

Hey Kids—Join the Kiwanis Club Kids Bicycle Brigade! Show your support for Veterans by decorating and riding your bike in the parade from 9-10 a.m. preceding the parade. Bring your bikes and helmets to the Courthouse lawn where you can decorate with FREE flags, streamers, and sign materials.  Join in as the Kiwanis Club members escort you into the parade. Ages 5 & older please. Bicycles, training wheels, and scooters are welcome.

The deadline for entering the parade is Oct. 28.  Veterans Day Parade applications are posted on the city website www.sanmarcostx.gov/parks.   Area individuals, educational institutions, businesses and organizations are invited to join the parade.  For more information, call Parks and Recreation at 512.393.8400.